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A Prophecy against the Philistines
Ezekiel 25:15–17 is a short prophecy in which the Lord Yahweh speaks against the Philistines. It explains why judgement is coming and repeats that this action will show who Yahweh is.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
This passage is a prophetic message spoken in the Lord Yahweh’s name. It focuses on the Philistines, describing their revenge, contempt and ongoing hostility, then announcing Yahweh’s response against them and the result that they will know he is Yahweh.
Ezekiel 25:15–17Main takeaway
This prophecy teaches that the Lord Yahweh sees revenge, contempt and lasting hostility, and he declares judgement against them.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The charge against the PhilistinesThe message begins with the reason for judgement. The Philistines are accused of taking revenge and vengeance with “contempt of soul”.
Explanation
The message begins with the reason for judgement. The Philistines are accused of taking revenge and vengeance with “contempt of soul”. Their actions are aimed to destroy, and their hostility is described as perpetual, meaning ongoing or long-lasting. The prophecy presents this attitude and action as the problem Yahweh addresses.
02Yahweh’s hand stretched outBecause of that hostility, the Lord Yahweh says he will act against the Philistines. “I will stretch out my hand” is a picture of God actively intervening.
Explanation
Because of that hostility, the Lord Yahweh says he will act against the Philistines. “I will stretch out my hand” is a picture of God actively intervening. The passage specifically names the Cherethites and “the remnant of the sea coast” as part of this announced judgement.
03Judgement described as vengeanceVerse 17 repeats the seriousness of the response. Yahweh says, “I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes.”
Explanation
Verse 17 repeats the seriousness of the response. Yahweh says, “I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes.” Earlier, the Philistines were described as taking vengeance, and now Yahweh himself declares the coming vengeance. The words are forceful and show that rebuke is part of the judgement being announced.
04The result: knowing YahwehThe prophecy ends with its stated result: “Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” This closing line explains the outcome named in the passage itself.
Explanation
The prophecy ends with its stated result: “Then they will know that I am Yahweh.” This closing line explains the outcome named in the passage itself. The Philistines’ revenge and perpetual hostility are named earlier, and Yahweh says that through this judgement they will know that he is Yahweh.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reasons does Ezekiel 25:15 give for Yahweh’s judgement on the Philistines?
Look for the words about revenge, contempt of soul, destruction and perpetual hostility, and use those exact ideas in your answer.
02How does the passage describe both the Philistines’ actions and Yahweh’s response using the word “vengeance”?
Compare the Philistines’ vengeance in verse 15 with Yahweh’s words “I will execute great vengeance” in verse 17.
03What result does Yahweh say will come from this judgement?
Use the final sentence of verse 17 and notice what the passage says people will know.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 25:15–17
15“ ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Because the Philistines have taken revenge, and have taken vengeance with contempt of soul to destroy with perpetual hostility,”
16therefore the Lord Yahweh says, “Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.
17I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am Yahweh, when I lay my vengeance on them.” ’ ”